Cruise in France on the canals and rivers of Southern Burgundy aboard the Ultra-Deluxe Hotel-Barge AMARYLLIS
SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS
The 8-passenger Amaryllis is one of the most luxurious barges afloat whose interior displays an uncompromising attention to detail. Each stateroom has been meticulously decorated in a traditional style with a mixture of contemporary and antique Louis XVI and XV furniture, complimented by occasional tables from Li Puma of Florence. The specially designed window casings incorporate huge windows that panoramically frame the passing countryside. The Amaryllis has four large staterooms with ensuite bathrooms, two with bathtub/shower and two with an oversized shower. Three cabins are on the lower deck; the cabin on the main deck is particularly good for those with difficulty with stairs. Also on the main deck is a formal dining room and a comfortable salon opening on to a sun deck where guests can relax on sun loungers or luxuriate in the heated swimming pool. There is a crew of 6 to attend to your every need. Nothing has been spared with respect to passenger comfort and entertainment.
Amaryllis cruises on some of the most picturesque waterways in France, including the Canal de Bourgogne, the River Rhône and the Canal du Centre, through the heart of the Burgundy wine region. Excursions are arranged to visit ancient châteaux and sample many of the famous wines of the region. Beaune, Dijon, St Jean de Losne, and Chalon sur Saone are just some of the towns and villages visited.
Features
- Size of barge: 126.3 ft by 16.6 ft
- Number of Passengers: 8
- Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 4
- Crew: 6
- Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes
- Salon:Antique Louis XVI and Italian furnishings with separate dining room and picture windows. Guest computer with internet access and BOSE ipod docking station.
- Bar: Open bar
- Deck: Sundeck with canopy for shade, tables and chairs and 13 x 13 ft swimming pool
- Spa Tub: Swimming pool
- Cabin Features: One upper deck suite 180 sq ft, 3 lower deck suites 227-278 sq ft including marble bathroom 47-58 sq ft with double sinks and shower or bathtub. All suites with twin beds or king bed.
- Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: Air-conditioned 8 seater mini-bus
- Accessibility: One cabin on upper deck, three on lower deck
- Bicycles: Yes
Amaryllis's Deck Plan
Passenger Comments:
Our service on Amaryllis was absolutely superb. We enjoyed wonderful surroundings, great weather, but it was the superb staff that made our voyage memorable. Our meals on board were better than the fancy restaurants we ate in Paris, the wines were fine. Nic is a most informed tour director, he enriched our tours greatly.
Clients, Wisconsin September 2011
In many years of 'Luxury 5 star travel'. This is the creme de la creme - so my head and my heart say - thank you one and all for the experience of a lifetime!
-- R.M.
Am lost for words - simply 'amazing' - THANK YOU!
-- Joe & Karen C.
We loved every minute. The staff, food and tours were all exceptional!
-- name withheld
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Burgundy: Canal de Bourgogne, Saone River, Canal du Centre:
Dijon to St. Leger
Sunday - Paris to Dijon.
Board the barge at Dijon's Port du Canal for your cruise through Burgundy. A champagne reception welcomes you on board and gives you a chance to meet the crew. Later that evening, experience your first dinner on board.
Monday - Cruise to Longecourt. Visit Château de Longecourt.
This morning enjoy your first cruise on the canal. Once moored in Longecourt visit the Chateau de Longecourt which has been owned by the same family since 1631. It has been beautifully decorated through the centuries and is rich in history. Some 'graffiti' can be found in the stables, left behind by the American pilots who stayed there during World War II. If the count is in residence, he will give you a personal tour of his property.
Tuesday - Visit Dijon. Cruise to St. Jean de Losne.
After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of Dijon including a visit to the market, the Grey Poupon mustard shop and the Ducal Palace. There will be some free time for shopping or perhaps, to sit in one of the numerous pavement cafés and simply just watch the world pass by. Return to the boat for lunch and an afternoon cruise to St. Jean de Losne, the barging capital of France. Take some time this evening or early tomorrow to stroll around the port and see the many working and pleasure barges.
Wednesday - Visit Beaune. Cruise to Chalon-sur-Saône.
Continue to cruise the peaceful valley of the River Saône downstream to Seurre. Today, lunch is taken at the Loiseau des Vignes in Beaune. In the afternoon, discover Beaune, the capital of the wine region of Burgundy. Enjoy a visit to the famous Hôtel-Dieu, Hospice de Beaune and a wine tasting. Later, your guide takes you on a walking tour of the pedestrian area in Chalon-sur-Saône, the last of the Burgundian style river towns.
Thursday - Cruise to Rully. Visit Château de Germolles.
The barge cruises leaves the River Saône by clearing the lock to enter the Canal du Centre. Back in the canal environment you may disembark the barge at a lock, bicycle alongside or walk and keep up with the pace of the barge. After lunch, visit the Château de Germolles, the only remaining residence of the Dukes of Burgundy. Tonight it is back to a countryside mooring in Rully.
Friday - Visit Couches and the Château Marguerite de Bourgogne. Cruise to St. Léger.
A leisurely cruise to St. Léger, another quaint village along the Canal du Centre which is our final destination. Your guide takes you to the stunning 11th century Château Marguerite de Bourgogne in Couches, for a tour of the magnificent buildings, surrounded by their own vines, followed by a wine tasting in their cellar. Meanwhile the chef is busy preparing your Farewell gala dinner on board.
Saturday - Dijon - Paris.
After breakfast disembark the barge for your onward travel arrangements.
Note: The day-to-day itinerary described above is a typical cruise and is subject to change. On any one cruise, the moorings may change and the places visited may vary depending on the season and the passenger preferences.
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Burgundy: Canal de Bourgogne:
Dijon to Escommes
Sunday - Dijon.
A champagne reception welcomes you on board the barge moored at Dijon's Port du Canal for your cruise through Burgundy, and gives you a chance to meet the crew. A delicious dinner is served later that evening.
Monday - Cruise to Fleurey-sur-Ouche. Visit Clos de Vougeot.
Leaving Dijon, the canal follows the river Ouche where small-unspoiled villages and green, forested hills provide exceptional views from the deck. Spend the morning walking, or perhaps cycling along the tow path. This afternoon's excursion is a dégustation in Vougeot and a visit to "Clos de Vougeot", a medieval château and the headquarters of the Chevaliers du Tastevin, whose special label is awarded annually to the finest Côte d'Or vintages. The barge moors for the night in the small village of Fleury-sur-Ouche.
Tuesday - Cruise to Gissey. Visit Dijon.
After a wonderful French style breakfast, your guide takes you on a walking tour of Dijon including a visit to the Ducal Palace, the market and the Grey Poupon mustard shop. Enjoy some free time for shopping at the many wonderful shops in town, or perhaps just sit in one of the numerous pavement cafés and simply watch the world go by. Return to the boat for lunch and an afternoon's cruise to the charming village of Gissey. This is a truly stunning part of the canal, sit back and watch the ever changing scenery glide by.
Wednesday - Cruise to La Bussière. Visit Château de Savigny-lès-Beaune
Mid-morning, disembark the boat for a visit to l'Abbaye de la Bussière, which was built in the 12th century under the guidance of the Cistercian monks from Citeaux. Enjoy a tour of the grounds and have lunch in the one Michelin star restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the 15th century Château de Savigny-lès-Baunes set in its own vineyard and housing a huge collection of antique motorbikes, cars and planes.
Thursday - Cruise to Pont d'Ouche. Visit Beaune.
Relax with a morning cruise through the rolling hills of the Ouche Valley to Pont d'Ouche. After lunch visit Beaune, capital of the wine region of Burgundy and the famous Hôtel-Dieu, Hospice de Beaune. There is free time for shopping or strolling through the cobbled streets of this lovely town. Sample some of the local wines before returning to the barge.
Friday - Cruise to Escommes. Visit Châteauneuf-en-Auxois.
Our final cruise of the week takes us to the countryside mooring of Escommes, then after lunch visit Châteauneuf-en-Auxois. This medieval village with its commanding views over the plains is a wonderful place for a visit. Both the village and the château have a long and interesting history. This is followed by a tour of the surrounding countryside. Meanwhile the chef is preparing your farewell gala dinner on board.
Saturday - Dijon.
After breakfast disembark the barge for your onward travel arrangements.
Note: This day-to day-itinerary described is a typical cruise. However, on any one cruise, the moorings may change and the places visited may vary depending on the season and guest preferences.
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Burgundy: Canal de Bourgogne, Saone River, Canal du Centre:
Dijon to St. Leger
Grand Crus July 15, 2012
Sunday, 15 July - Dijon
On arrival at Dijon's Port du Canal you are met by your guide and transferred to the Amaryllis for your Grand Cru cruise. A champagne cruise welcomes you on board. Dinner on board hosted by your resident wine expert, accompanied by the first selection of Grand Crus.
Monday, 16 July - mooring Longecourt
The morning is spent taking a Burgundy wine class as you cruise towards Longecourt. After lunch on board, explore Clos du Vougeot, set in the heart of the vines and head quaters of the famous Chevaliers de Tastevin. A tour of this remarkable building is followed by tastings at the Grand Cave. Dinner on board with your afternoon's vineyard host and his selection of Grand Crus. Overnight on board at Longecourt.
Tuesday, 17 July - mooring St. Jean de Losne
Take a walking tour past the elegant houses of Dijon and visit the Ducal Palace, shops and the "Maille" mustard shop. Enjoy some free time to explore at leisure. After lunch on board, enjoy a relaxing afternoon cruise to St Jean de Losne before a visit to Drouhin-Laroze estate in Gevrey Chambertin for a "dégustation" followed by a Burgundian dinner off the barge with the winemaker's choice of Grand Crus.
Wednesday, 18 July - mooring Châlon sur Saone
Continue to cruise the peaceful valley of the River Saône. Arrive in Beaune, capital of the wine region of Burgundy, for a delightful lunch at the Hotel Cep followed by a visit to the famous Hôtel Dieu, Hospices de Beaune. This afternoon explore Domaine Joseph Drouhin's cellar where the King of France and the Duke of Burgundy used to store wines, followed by tastings of the winemaker's choice. Dinner on board with your afternoon's vineyard host and her selection of Grand Crus.
Thursday, 19 July - mooring Rully
Spend the morning cruising before lunch on board. Later visit the third of your Grand Crus vineyards at the Domaine Ponsot for a tasting from the barrels followed by a walk in the vineyard. Dinner onboard with the winemaker and his choice of Grands Crus.
Friday, 20 July - mooring St. Léger sur Dheune
After breakfast, disembark for a visit to the barrel makers at St Aubin. Following a lunch onboard, enjoy a drive to see the vines at Vosne Romanee which produce the most prestigious wines in Burgundy at the Domaine de la Romanée Conti. Dinner on board with your resident wine expert and the last of the 33 Grand Crus.
Saturday, 21 July
After breakfast disembark the barge and transfer to Le Cruesot train station for your onward travel arrangements.
Note: Itinerary subject to change without notice.
Amaryllis
2012 Season Cruise Schedule* |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Apr 1 |
Dijon-St. Leger |
Regular
|
| Apr 8 |
St. Leger-Dijon |
Regular
|
| Apr 15 |
Dijon-St. Leger |
Regular
|
| Apr 22 |
St. Leger-Dijon |
Regular
|
| Apr 29 |
Dijon-St. Leger |
Regular
|
| May 6 |
St. Leger-Dijon |
Regular
|
| May 13 |
Dijon-St. Leger |
Regular
|
| May 20 |
St. Leger-Dijon |
Regular
|
| May 27 |
Dijon-Escommes |
Regular
|
| Jun 3 |
Escommes-Dijon |
Regular
|
| Jun 10 |
Dijon-Escommes |
Regular
|
| Jun 17 |
Escommes-Dijon |
Regular
|
| Jun 24 |
Dijon-Escommes |
Regular
|
| Jul 1 |
Escommes-Dijon |
Regular
|
| Jul 8 |
Dijon-St. Leger |
Regular
|
|
| Cruise Schedule* ... continued |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Jul 15 |
St. Leger-Dijon |
Grand Cru Experience
|
| Jul 22 |
Dijon-Escommes |
Regular
|
| Jul 29 |
Escommes-Dijon |
Regular
|
| Aug 5 |
Dijon-St Leger |
Regular
|
| Aug 12 |
St. Leger-Dijon |
Regular
|
| Aug 19 |
Dijon-Escommes |
Regular
|
| Aug 26 |
Escommes-Dijon |
Regular
|
| Sep 2 |
Dijon-Escommes |
Regular
|
| Sep 9 |
Escommes-Dijon |
Regular
|
| Sep 16 |
Dijon-Escommes |
Regular
|
| Sep 23 |
Escommes-Dijon |
Regular
|
| Sep 30 |
Dijon-St. Leger |
Regular
|
| Oct 7 |
St. Leger-Dijon |
Regular
|
| Oct 14 |
Dijon-St. Leger |
Regular
|
| Oct 21 |
St. Leger-Dijon |
Regular
|
|
The Amaryllis' routes through Southern Burgundy, from Escommes to Dijon, on the Canal de Bourgogne and from Dijon to St. Leger, on the Saone River and the Canal du Centre For a more detailed look at the cruise route, view our map of the Canal de Bourgogne, the Saone River and the Canal du Centre.
*Note: Cruise directions and sample itineraries may be in reverse and are subject to change and may depend on bookings and local navigation conditions. Alternate excursions of equal appeal are substituted when needed. For charter cruises special itineraries can be arranged.
AMARYLLIS
2012 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS |
| ACCOMMODATION |
GRAND CRU EXPERIENCE
Jul 15 thru Jul 21 |
REGULAR
Apr 1 thru Jul 14
Jul 22 thru Oct 27 |
|
Cabin (per person, double occupancy) |
$10,500 |
NA |
|
Charter for 6 |
NA |
$49,100 |
|
Charter for 7 |
NA |
$54,750 |
|
Charter for 8 |
NA |
$60,400 |
What's Included- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in a cabin with private bath
- Transfers from Paris to the barge and return
- All meals beginning with dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Saturday
- All wines with lunches and dinners
- All escorted side-excursion
- Use of bicycles
What's Not Included
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Suggested minimum 5% gratuity for the crew, to be given to the captain in equivalent Euros
 |
Special Places Travel, LLC
"Barges in France (and the rest of Europe) ... for the experience of a lifetime!" ™
For booking information,
Phone (toll-free): 1-877-64-BARGE (1-877-642-2743)
Outside of the U.S.: 001.443.321.3614
or E-mail: info@specialplacestravel.com
|
Return to TOP of PAGE
Text and images Copyright © 2010, 2011, 2012 by Special Places Travel, LLC, Edgewater, MD, and by other copyright holders used by permission. Web design by Special Places Travel, LLC. All rights reserved. No further use without express written permission from copyright holders. Contact Special Places Travel LLC, +1-443-321-3614 for further information.
Last Update: January 12, 2012
Barges in France, A Division of Special Places Travel, LLC.
Barges in Europe, A Division of Special Places Travel, LLC.
Member: American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), Outside Sales Support Network (OSSN). Bonded. Founded 1997. American Express, Visa, Mastercard, Discover accepted.
Accredited, Better Business Bureau
